[unpaid/sample/affiliate/ad] So, Roger & Gallet has undergone something of a revamp since L’Oreal sold it 18 months or so ago to Impala Investments (who are also investors in Augustinus Bader). I’ve had to go back over several past posts to remember exactly how it was and how it compares to now but given the top search for the brand is ‘does Roger & Gallet still exist’, it’s really high time they made themselves re-known.

There are many subtle points of difference – the word ‘wellbeing’ appears on all the body products with a good example being that all the colognes (that I can see) are now Wellbeing Fragrant Waters (which admittedly sounds more enticing and the title was first used in 2018). I can see across Europe they’re doing collaborative sets – their Valentines set is Roger&Gallet x Le Rouge Français and includes a beautiful pink lipstick with rose cologne and rose body lotion (you can buy this HERE). There’s now a re-worked Heritage Collection including Lavande Royale (yes, please) and Shiso which is exciting and the packaging has been liven up and given a cleaner, leaner look. The main difference though is the term ‘fragrant waters’. When it comes to strength of fragrance, a cologne would sit at 2 – 5% of fragrance while ‘waters’ sit at 1 – 3%. More water, basically, and less last.

I don’t think I mind about there being less fragrance – colognes were never made to be more than temporary fresheners. The Wellbeing Waters still add that crisp, refereshing coolness to the skin – in fact, in the case of Fleur de Figuier, you aren’t searching amongst the alcohol for a whisper of fruit, you get the fig more or less straight away and it’s delicious. The same for Neroli – you get a beautiful waft of orange blossom with this – if you love that note, snap this up straight away. I can only say that from testing, everything appears to be improved. It’s HERE from £16.55.

It’s the same for the shower gels – sorry, Wellbeing Shower Gels, in that you get all of the action and none of the alcohol and it’s just made the fragrances more alive and present. Good job so far! I see that their emblem includes Rue Saint Honore, Paris, which is a beautiful street but as far as I can see, Roget & Gallet no longer has a presence there. although in 1932 it was a noted destination for social gatherings and arts appreciation. I know that L’Oreal reinstated the brand’s presence in about 2012/13 but last time I was in Paris, it was gone and I think it remains gone. Anyway, if it’s been a while, I think you will be very pleasantly surprised. The best on-line stockist is Escentual where the shower gels are £8.05 HERE.